Quick answer: On a Mac, press Option + /. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0247 on the numeric keypad. On a Chromebook or Linux, press Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00f7, then Enter. On a phone, use the symbols keyboard — or just copy it below.
The division sign ÷ — called the obelus — is the dedicated math symbol for division, distinct from the slash /, which is also used for division in text and code. Here’s every way to type it, by device.
Quick reference
| Platform | How |
|---|---|
| Mac | Option + / |
| Windows | Alt + 0247 (numeric keypad) — or Alt + 246 |
| Chromebook | Ctrl + Shift + U, then 00f7, then Enter |
| Linux | Ctrl + Shift + U, then 00f7 — or Compose, then -, then : |
| Word | Type 00F7, then Alt + X |
| Excel | =UNICHAR(247) |
| HTML | ÷ or ÷ |
| Unicode | U+00F7 |
Windows
Hold Alt and type 0247 on the numeric keypad (Num Lock on). There’s also a shorter code from the older OEM character set: Alt + 246 (no leading zero) produces the same ÷.
No numeric keypad? On most laptops the number row won’t work for Alt codes. Instead:
- Use Word’s method: type 00F7, then press Alt + X, or
- Copy ÷ from the box above.
Mac
Press Option + /. That’s it — no Character Viewer needed. This works in almost any app on a US keyboard layout.
iPhone
The ÷ symbol lives on the symbols keyboard:
- Tap the 123 key.
- Tap #+= to reach the second symbols page.
- Tap ÷.
If you can’t find it, copy ÷ from the top of this page and paste it — that always works.
Android
On Gboard (the default on most Android phones):
- Tap ?123.
- Tap =< for the extended symbols page.
- Tap ÷.
Some keyboards also hide ÷ behind a long-press on a nearby key. If yours doesn’t have it, copy and paste.
Chromebook
ChromeOS supports Unicode input in most text fields:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + U (a small underlined u appears).
- Type 00f7.
- Press Enter or Space.
You’ll get ÷. If a particular field doesn’t accept Unicode input, copy ÷ from above or use the app’s own insert-symbol menu.
Linux
Two reliable methods:
- Unicode input: Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00f7, then Enter (works in GTK apps).
- Compose key: press your Compose key, then –, then :.
Word & Google Docs
- Word: type 00F7, then press Alt + X. Or go to Insert → Symbol and pick ÷.
- Google Docs: Insert → Special characters, then search “division” and click the ÷.
Excel & Google Sheets
Note: to actually divide in a formula you use the slash — =10/2. But if you want the ÷ character to appear in a cell (a label, a heading, a printed worksheet):
- Excel: =UNICHAR(247) returns ÷ on both Windows and Mac. =CHAR(247) also works, but only reliably on Windows Excel — on Mac it can return a different character, so UNICHAR is the portable choice.
- Google Sheets: =UNICHAR(247) returns ÷.
HTML & the web
Use the named entity ÷ or the numeric ÷. Both render as ÷. In URLs, CSS content, or JavaScript, you can also use the escape \00f7.
÷ vs / vs ⁄ — the three “division” marks
| Symbol | Name | Where it’s used |
|---|---|---|
| ÷ | Division sign (obelus) | Classic arithmetic: 10 ÷ 2 = 5 |
| / | Solidus / slash | Text, code, calculators, simple fractions: 10/2 |
| ⁄ | Fraction slash (U+2044) | Typeset fractions like ¾, where it kerns numerator and denominator |
In everyday math, pair ÷ with the multiplication sign ×. In formal and scientific writing, the slash or a horizontal fraction bar is preferred — the international standard ISO 80000-2 actually discourages ÷ for division because it can be ambiguous in complex expressions.
Examples
- 10 ÷ 2 = 5
- 100 ÷ 4 = 25
- “Split the bill ÷ 3”
- 12 ÷ 4 × 2 (obelus paired with the multiplication sign)
Troubleshooting
Alt + 0247 does nothing. You need a real numeric keypad with Num Lock on. Laptop number-row keys won’t trigger Alt codes. Fix: use Word’s 00F7 → Alt + X, try Alt + 246, or copy ÷.
Option + / gives something else (Mac). Your keyboard layout probably isn’t US. Check System Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources, or use Edit → Emoji & Symbols and search “division.”
Ctrl + Shift + U does nothing (Chromebook/Linux). Unicode input isn’t enabled in every text field or app. Copy ÷ instead, or use the app’s own insert-symbol menu.
The ÷ shows as a box or ?. The font you’re using lacks the glyph — rare for ÷, but switch to a standard font (Arial, Times, or your system default) and it’ll appear.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I type the division sign?
On a Mac, press Option + /. On Windows, press Alt + 0247 on the numeric keypad, or type 00F7 then Alt + X in Word. On a Chromebook or Linux, press Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00f7, then Enter.
What is the difference between ÷ and /?
Both mean division. The division sign (÷), or obelus, is the traditional arithmetic symbol. The slash (/) is more common in text, code, calculators, and fractions.
How do I type the division sign in Word?
Type 00F7 and then press Alt + X. You can also go to Insert → Symbol and select the division sign (÷).
How do I type ÷ on a phone?
The division sign (÷) is available on the symbols keyboard in many mobile keyboards. If you cannot find it, copy the symbol and paste it where needed.
How do I get ÷ on a Chromebook?
Press Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00f7, then press Enter or Space.
Why isn’t ÷ used in advanced math?
In arithmetic ÷ is standard, but in higher math and scientific writing the slash or a horizontal fraction bar is preferred because it’s clearer in complex expressions. The ISO 80000-2 standard discourages ÷ for this reason.
Recap
Mac: Option + /. Windows: Alt + 0247 (or Alt + 246). Chromebook/Linux: Ctrl + Shift + U → 00f7. Word: 00F7 → Alt + X. Web: ÷. Unicode is U+00F7.
Related math symbols: Multiplication × · Plus-minus ± · Square root √ · Degree ° · Comparison ≈ ≤ ≥ ≠ → see the full Math symbols hub. Want more than the copy button? Open the Copy & Paste symbol tool or the Alt Code Finder.
The division sign is U+00F7 in the Unicode Standard. Written by Igor R. — tested on Windows 11, macOS, ChromeOS, Android, and Microsoft 365. Last updated June 2026.